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HomeRepair HelpCaloric Microwave RepairCaloric Microwave is sparking or arcing Repair
Caloric Microwave is sparking or arcing
If your Caloric microwave is sparking inside, arcing, or making sparks and pops when running, stop using it and inspect the oven before operating it again. The most likely cause is a damaged or loose waveguide cover, especially when arcing appears in the oven cavity. Replace the cover if it is burned, cracked, or will not stay in place. If the microwave sparks or arcs in the cabinet area, a shorted door switch may be responsible. Inspect the primary, secondary, and monitor switches for burn marks or damage, then test them with a multimeter. Arcing behind the waveguide cover can also indicate a damaged magnetron, while a burned high-voltage diode can cause sparking in the cabinet. Less common causes include a burned shelf support or chipped interior paint that exposes metal. Do not open the outer cabinet unless you know proper microwave safety procedures. The high-voltage capacitor can store a lethal charge even after the microwave is unplugged and must be properly discharged before interior work. Magnetron and diode repairs may require a qualified technician if you are not familiar with capacitor discharge. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement part for your Caloric microwave.
01 - Caloric Microwave Waveguide Cover
The waveguide cover might be damaged and arcing or burning. If this is the case or if the cover will not stay in place, replace it with a new one.
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02 - Caloric Microwave Door Switch
If the microwave is sparking or arcing in the cabinet area, and not in the oven cavity, you will likely see smoke or there will be a burning smell. One of the appliance's door switches could have shorted and is causing the sparking or arcing. You should inspect each door switch for burn marks or damage and test the components with a multimeter to determine if any the door switches are malfunctioning.
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03 - Caloric Microwave Magnetron
If the microwave is sparking or arcing behind the waveguide cover in the oven cavity, you will likely see smoke or there will be a burning smell. The appliance's magnetron is one of the components that could be damaged and causing the sparking or arcing. Inspect the magnetron for burn marks or damage and replace if necessary.
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04 - Caloric Microwave Diode
If the microwave is sparking or arcing in the cabinet area, and not in the oven cavity, you will likely see smoke or there will be a burning smell. The appliance's diode is one of the components that could be damaged and causing the sparking or arcing. When the diode fails, it is often visibly burned out. Inspect the diode and if the diode is burned out, replace it. If inspecting the diode proves inconclusive, test it with a multimeter that uses a 9-volt battery or put a 9-volt battery in series with the diode. When the leads are reversed, the diode should only have continuity in one direction..
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05 - Caloric Microwave Shelf Support
Some microwave ovens will have cooking shelf supports on the interior walls. Inspect the shelf supports for any burnt spots or damage. If there are any burnt or damaged spots, replace with new supports as needed.
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06 - Caloric Microwave Touch-Up Paint
The paint on the interior of the microwave might be chipped. If the paint is chipped, the interior metal will be exposed, causing the microwave to spark or arc. Check the interior of the microwave for any spots where the paint has chipped away. If there are any damaged spots, gently sand the compromised area and touch them up with microwave oven interior paint.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Caloric microwave sparking inside?
Is a microwave sparking or arcing dangerous?
How do I test a Caloric microwave door switch or diode?
Should I replace the magnetron if my Caloric microwave is sparking?
How do I find the correct Caloric microwave waveguide cover or other replacement part?
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